The Lost Generation Project

To view individual storyteller's films and case studies, select and click on the silhouettes above. The five storytellers (from left to right) are: Charlie, Reg, Gloria, Janine and Tim.

Purpose and Goals

The Lost Generation Project was developed in response to the social exclusion of adults with disabilities living in supported accommodation across the Perth metropolitan region. In 2002, conditions for those living in supported accommodation worsened when shifts in Australian Disability Employment policy resulted in significant loss of supported employment, income and day occupation places.

With no existing policy framework for people with a disability who are ageing or retiring, the Disability Services Commission formed a dynamic partnership with DADAA to facilitate cultural solutions to address the multiple impacts of ageing and disability upon the 550 people who reside in DSC-supported accommodation across Perth. A primary focus of the program is addressing barriers to social inclusion.

The result was The Lost Generation Project, an arts and cultural project that engaged those living in supported accommodation in connecting with their communities. Artwork and films have been, and continue to be, used as tools of self-advocacy, empowerment, identity and social visibility. By focusing on the strengths and gifts of participants in their films, the project highlights the unique qualities people with intellectual disabilities can contribute to their community.

The Model

Over three years, a model of delivery was developed and implemented in seven Local Government Areas. The model uses an extensive partnership approach, incorporating key stakeholders that have helped to ensure that the project is both ethical and effective.

The film making process involves significant consultation with families, DSC staff and storytellers. Once briefings have been undertaken and agreements have been signed, the film team begins its research and consultation with storytellers and support staff to see what level of involvement families would like to have in the film. Many families elect to participate in the telling of their person's story and contribute greatly to the research and filming phase.

Community screenings of the films at commercial cinemas provide a way to bring the stories to a broad public audience. Films are also shared through Local Government community programs as part of education and disability awareness initiatives.

History of People With Intellectual Disabilities

To find out more about the history of people with intellectual disabilities in Australia, view the following:

Speech by Professor Charlie Fox at the opening of The Lost Generation Project Exhibition, Midland Bank Gallery, WA.
Paper by Professor Charlie Fox for The Lost Generation Project.
Exhibition panels from The Lost Generation Project Exhibition, Heathcote Museum and Gallery, WA.

Evaluation and Outcomes

The Lost Generation Project achieved broad public impact with significant outcomes during its first three years (January 2007 to December 2009). These include, amongst many others:

238 core participants involved
186 films produced
155 films screened at 24 community screenings
408 hours in arts workshops for participants
15 exhibitions relating to the project
extensive media coverage at local, state and national levels

In addition to the above activity, evaluation of The Lost Generation Project through a case study approach has been completed. Qualitative data on five storytellers has been compiled to demonstrate the individual experience and impact of the project on participants, their carers and families. Evaluation activity has mapped social inclusion impacts against Federal Government indicators. To view the case studies, including the original films, select and click on the storytellers' mages at the top of this page.

View the five-episode documentary film, Findings: The Story of The Lost Generation Project, that outlines the process and evidences the impacts ot The Lost Generation Project to date.

View a brief policy statement on The Lost Generation Project that outlines the project and demonstrates how film and multimedia can be used effectively in CACD projects to promote the Federal Government's Social Inclusion Agenda and facilitate the participation of people with intellectual disability in the National Broadband Network Initiative.

Evaluation methodology and outcomes are available from these links.

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